Born: 19 December 1974, Launceston, Tasmania
Major Teams: Australia, Tasmania.
Age: 24
Nicknames: Ponts, Tricky, Punter
Interest: Breeding Greyhounds
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Medium
Other: Wicket-Keeper

Profile: A precocious talent, Ponting debuted for his state at the age of 17, and his first-class career has described a steady upward curve since that point, with selection for the West Indies tour in 1994/95, and a Test debut against Sri Lanka in Perth this summer. Only a doubtful LBW decision preventing Ponting from a debut century. He is a supremely gifted batsman and he knows it. The only thing that apparently stands between Ponting and an illustrious international career is his own temperament.

Shot to prominence by taking a hundred off the touring England team in 1995 playing for the Australian Academy, unleashing an array of strokes that had the bowlers shaking their heads in disbelief. He virtually confirmed his World Cup berth with an innings of 123 to save Australia from 3/33 in a 1996 World Series Cup match, and displayed a maturity that recalls Tendulkar.

Naturally aggressive in outlook, with nearly every shot in the book, Ponting complements his batting with brisk medium pace/swing and brilliant fielding in the point/cover region. He could also double as reserve wicketkeeper.

Tasmania's second most famous export after David Boon. Prone to bouts of boisterousness that make even Australians blush. Recently admitted to having had a drink problem.

Test Debut: Australia v Sri Lanka at Perth, 1st Test, 1995/96
ODI Debut: Australia v South Africa at Wellington, NZ Centenary Tournament, 1994/95
PB: Tests, 197
       ODI, 145
Tasmania First-Class Career Span: 1992-